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See What's New on the NISIC Web site by using our RSS feed (learn about RSS). Contains items of interest that have been added to our site, in order of most recent post date. Items are kept in this section for a period of two years from post date.

Note: Oct 24, 2013 -- We have migrated our What's New section to a new interface (Drupal). If you have previously bookmarked our What's New section (weblogs.nal.usda.gov/invasivespecies), please update your bookmark to the new location (http://www.invasivespeciesinfo.gov/whats-new).

This workbook contains basic information on programs in USDA that could be used to fund and support invasive species related projects. This list should be a helpful place to start a search for sources of technical and financial resources for invasive species activities but may not include all potential invasive species funding opportunities. USDA contacts for program support listed in the document are current at the time of publication. The contacts listed in the "other grant information" section can assist you in determining which opportunities may fit best with your needs.

Please use this workbook to help in your important and vital work in safeguarding and enhancing natural, recreational and agricultural resources.

A regulation was adopted in Jul 2014 that prohibits or regulates the possession, transport, importation, sale, purchase and introduction of select invasive species. The purpose of this regulation is to help control invasive species, a form of biological pollution, by reducing the introduction of new and spread of existing populations. This regulation becomes effective Mar 10, 2015. Two species, Japanese Barberry (Berberis thunbergii) and Eurasian boars (Sus scrofa) have grace periods. For more information, see Invasive Species Regulation (scroll to view) and Lands and Forests Emergency, Proposed & Recently Adopted Regulations.

* See our New York state resource page for more information and additional resources.

The United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) has adopted new guidelines to prevent and control biological invasions by pets, aquarium and terrarium species, live bait and live food. The new guidance is largely based on input from the IUCN Species Survival Commission (SSC) Invasive Species Specialist Group (ISSG).

* See our International section for more information and additional resources.

USDA's Secretary announced the allocation of $5 million to support 19 projects under the National Clean Plant Network (NCPN) funded under the Agriculture Act of 2014 (the 2014 Farm Bill). NCPN-funded facilities provide high-quality propagative plant material that is free of plant pathogens and pests that can otherwise cause economic losses to the American specialty crop industry, which includes fruits and vegetables and other crops.

In an effort to protect the trees of Ohio, the Ohio Department of Agriculture (ODA) is encouraging Ohio citizens to check their trees for signs of the Walnut Twig Beetle and Asian Longhorned Beetle. The Walnut Twig Beetle is a small beetle known to carry a fungus that causes Thousand Cankers Disease (TCD), which can kill walnut trees. Walnut Twig Beetle was first confirmed in Ohio in late 2012 in traps set by Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Forestry officials in Butler County. Additionally, scientists from the Ohio Plant Diagnostic Network, a cooperative partnership between ODA and The Ohio State University, recently isolated the TCD fungus from walnut branch samples from the Butler County area, marking the first time TCD has been confirmed in Ohio.

* See our Ohio state resource page for more information and additional resources.

The PNW Invasive Plant Council is working in partnership with the USDA Forest Service, Washington Department of Agriculture (WSDA) and other state and local conservation groups on a Citizen Science EDRR (Early Detection Rapid Response) program. They are excited to recruit new volunteers and inspire their current volunteer base to search for and eradicate invasive plant populations in Washington state. See how you can help as a Citizen Scientist to help detect newly established invasive species!

Findings from recent research project changes in crop production as air temperatures increase due to climate change. Researchers observed one of the effects that agricultural producers may see as air temperatures increase is a corresponding increase of insects, weeds and fungal pests because of milder winter temperatures.

Seven years ago the U.S. Senate's unanimous approval and designation of a week in June as "National Pollinator Week" marked a necessary step toward addressing the urgent issue of declining pollinator populations. Pollinator Week has now grown to be an international celebration of the valuable ecosystem services provided by bees, birds, butterflies, bats and beetles.

PlayCleanGo, is an education and outreach campaign for outdoor recreationalists. The goal of this program is to encourage outdoor recreation while protecting valuable natural resources in Minnesota. The objective is to slow or stop the spread of terrestrial invasive species (those that occur on land) through changes in public behavior.

* See our Minnesota state resource page for more information and additional resources.

A yearly survey of beekeepers, released today, shows fewer colony losses occurred in the United States over the winter of 2013-2014 than in recent years, but beekeepers say losses remain higher than the level that they consider to be sustainable.

The State of Hawaii is hosting the 2nd annual Hawaii Invasive Species Awareness Week (HISAW) in March 2014. HISAW seeks to promote information sharing and public engagement in what the Hawaii State Legislature has declared "the single greatest threat to Hawaii's economy and natural environment and to the health and lifestyle of Hawaii’s people."

* See our Hawaii state resource page for more information and additional resources.

Another new invasive pest has been detected on Oahu, one that damages coconut trees and other palm plants. The Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle (CRB) was detected at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam on Dec 23, 2013 during routine surveys conducted.